A job satisfactions key elements affecting job performance of tourism lecturers at Vocational Colleges in Malaysia: A Need analysis

Job satisfaction factors play a significant role in influencing the overall job performance of academic staff in TVET institutions. Identifying and addressing these factors is crucial to ensure high-quality education and training. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the key elements affecting job satisfaction among tourism vocational lecturers at vocational colleges in Malaysia. Effectively managing the well-being of tourism lecturers requires a deliberate emphasis on these factors to create an environment conducive to job satisfaction. This study adopts Maslow's Theory of Job Satisfaction, focusing on factors such as the work environment, colleagues, workload, and salary benefits. This qualitative study employed a semi-structured interview protocol to conduct a needs analysis. Four tourism lecturers, who were appointed as facilitators and had expertise in the tourism field, were selected via purposive sampling. The interview results were transcribed and analyzed using Atlas.ti software. Based on the needs analysis, all four respondents agreed that the key elements of job satisfaction are primarily centered around the work environment, salary and allowances, colleagues, and workload. The implications of these findings reveal the multifaceted connection between various factors affecting job satisfaction among tourism lecturers. This study provides valuable insights for educational institutions and management personnel tasked with enhancing the well-being and performance of tourism lecturers. The outcomes of this research can help decision-makers improve job satisfaction among tourism lecturers at vocational colleges in Malaysia.